

Saracen Bay
Saracen Bay is absolute one of the best beach in Koh Rong Samloem, that sometime you see on travel catalogs, with absolute clear water and white sand. The beach is 3 Km long and where you can find more accommodation, but it is still not full of mass tourism! Saracen Bay is also the place of the main boat pier, link with Sihanoukville (here more information kohrongislandcambodia.com/sihanoukville/ )on mainland. From Saracen Bay anyway you can reach other beaches of Koh Rong. There is only one bar. Saracen Bay is the main boat stop from Sihanaukville; is the most developed beach and the common beach for day trip from the mainland or from Koh Rong.
Mpay Bay
Also Mpay Bay is served by boat departing from Sihanoukville on mainland; it offer cheap accommodation as bungalows, guest house, hotels and rooms for any pocket. Mpay Bay name, derived from the local fishing community called Village Number 23 that in Khmer language “M” pai Bei means 23. On this beach is based a volunteer ecotourism project so if you interested you can give your contribute to this project, so for example partecipate for a beach clean up. Most accommodation are in the Village proper and the most not have direct access to the beach or at the end a sea view.
Other beaches
On the west side there are other beaches with yellow sand as Lazy Beach and Sunset beach where you also can find accommodation. To go to these 2 beaches you will walk through the jungle and are the perfet place for an amazing suset view!
BOOK ACCOMMODATION BUNGALOWS, HOTELS, GUESTHOUSE, ROOMS IN KOH RONG SAMLOEM
Activities
On Koh Samloen you can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing; activities that are provided by locals or bungalows owner. This is an absolute site to do snorkeling. Other activities available on the island are trekking into the jungle, you can hire a mountain bike or try Kayaking…or…if you are lazy, jut relax!!!
Infact Koh Rong Samloem is well known for diving and snorkeling offered by The Dive Shop, Eco Sea, Coral Gardens Dive Centre; all of these operators you can find on the island or you can choose other operators from mainland like Scuba Nation. Being that the natural reefs soffered for not enough marine life, the Eco Sea operator created an artificial reef off to Mpay Bay village . Many places you can find in the island to hire snorkeling gear.
About the trekking, consider that the center of the island still conserve a great jungle so before the enviroment will be modift from future hotels and resorts, take the time to live the real and untouched jungle!!!
If you just looking for relax , the perfect place is the porch of aptly-named lazy Beach!
Full Moon Party
During Christmas and New Year you can enjoy the Koh Rong Full Moon Party that takes place on the Larger island of Koh Rong Island that is near to Koh Rong Sanloem Island. The full moon party takes place in Koh Rong at the Police Beach that is very near to boat pier on Tui Beach where many people arrive from Koh Sanloem,Koh Rong but also from Sihanoukville. If you like parties, this is absolute right for you!!!
Internet
As the island has slow style, internet do the same 🙂 Anyway the mobile coverage and internet are available but not everywhere in the island and as we told, the data transfer can be slow. Maybe is your opportunity to leave the mobile phone at home !!! You can buy a Metfone Sim card before to reach Sanloem Island that is very cheap and you cn have internet data and have betetr signal if you can’t live without your mobile phone! High speed internet are provided only at luxury resorts.
Getting there – How to go to Koh Rong Samloem (Sanloem) and Moving around
News: Speed boat to koh rong samloem available now!!! Take the fast boat from Sihanoukville – Serendipity Beach Pier
( To book speed ferry to islands, please select before “FERRY” on the form below and than select from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem or other destinations, or contrary. Or use this form to book transfers in Cambodia)
SihanoukVille – Koh-Rong Samloem, Saracen bay 10$ 1 way takes 45 minutes
8:30 am, back 10:30 am
3:00 pm, back 3:30 pm
SihanoukVille – Koh-Rong Samloem, M’Pay Bay $10 for 1 way takes 1 hour
8:30 am, back 10:00 am
3:00 pm, back 3:30 pm.
From Sihanoukville you so have Ispeed or Speed Ferry that departing both from Serendipity pier. Both can bring you to Saracen Bay, the most tourist beach, while if you want go to Mpay Bay you need to take the Speed Ferry. Lazy Beach and Sunset Beach are served only by slow boats that is organized by relative Robinson Bungalows and Huba Huba. You also can use fast boats if you want go to the largest island Koh Rong
Moving around in the Island
Saracen Bay link to the Sunset Beach through jungle path, while an other shorter path link Saracen Bay to Lazy Beach. Consider that western beaches don’t have linked paths, so you’ll need a boat.
If you need to go to the west side of Koh Rong Samloem, the only possibility is take slow boat from the mainland that are provided by hotels. Learn more: how to get to Koh Rong
WHERE IS KOH RONG SAMLOEM – MAP
Useful information
At now there aren’t ATM or banks as on the largest island Koh Rong. Also credit cards are not allowed so before to reach the island you must provide to withdraw cash on the mailand in Sihanoukville or where you are.
In the island you will not have electricity always during the day and the night, but only few hours per day as the electricity comes from generators and solar panels power.
Being Koh Rong Samloem an half desert island, so still undeveloped, you must consider that in the island or better into the jungle there are some inhabitants as monkeys, snakes, spiders, dogs, giant geckos and hornbills. So take care and for example if you want do trekking inside the jungle is recommended go before the sunset and is recommended bit with feet or with a stick during walking so snakes can go away from your path.
Anyway being an half desert island there are sand flies, there are on sand but you’ll not see them. Is common that can bit you, leave marks and cause irritation, so is recommended a strong repellant.
During peak season from December to March you absolute must book in advance your bungalow because it’s the most visited period.
Curiosity
Maybe sometimes you see written Samloem, or Sanloem or also Saloem! So which is the right name for this island?!!! Both are right, anyway the most used is Samloem but it has no mean on Khmer lanuage, while Sanloem means “far away” and you can see this name sometimes on maps and travel agencies. Sometimes you also can hear and see Saloem for more easy writing and pronunciation.
TOP 5 RECOMMENDED BUNGALOWS IN KOH RONG SAMLOEM

Sol Beach Resort 4 stars
Sol Beach Resort offers Khmer-style beachfront accommodation on Saracen Bay in Koh Rong Sanloem. Guests can enjoy meals in the resort’s open-air restaurant available on site. The resort’s villas offers views of the sea. Some units feature a seating area for your convenience. Some rooms include views of garden. Every room at this resort is air conditioned and features a private or shared bathroom equipped with hot shower facilities and a bath. Sol Beach Resort features free WiFi throughout the property. There is luggage storage space at the property. This resort has a private beach area and car hire is available. A range of activities are offered in the area, such as snorkeling, fishing, boating and hiking at an additional surcharge. Sihanoukville is 24 km from Sol Beach Resort by ferry service, while Song Saa Private Island is 21 km from the property. The resort provides door-to-door shuttle services from Phnom Penh International Airport or other hotels at an additional cost. This service also includes ferry reservations to the resort.
Good

Natural Island 3 stars
Natural Island is a relaxing getaway offering rooms with a sea view balcony. Located on Koh Rong Sanloem Island, the resort offers access to a private beach area and restaurant. A 40-minute boat transfer takes guests from Sihanoukville Boat Station to Koh Rong Samloem Island. Daily scheduled boat transfers are chargeable and can be arranged in advanced with the resort. Sihanoukville International Airport is 37 km away. Each fan-cooled room has a seating area and outdoor dining area. A mosquito net, safe, towels and linen are provided. A currency exchange, 24-hour front desk and dry cleaning services are available at Natural Island.
Good

Leng Meng Beach Bungalow 3-star hotel
Leng Meng Beach Bungalow is located in Koh Rong Sanloem, 25 km from Sihanoukville and 21 km from Song Saa Private Island. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Some units feature a seating area for your convenience. All rooms are fitted with a private bathroom. You will find ticket service at the property.
Good

Orchid Resort 2 stars
Featuring a picturesque beachfront with activities such as diving, snorkelling, and fishing, Orchid Resort is located in the heart of Saracen Bay, Koh Rong Samloem Island and offers guest bungalows directly on the beach. The bungalows here have fans, terrace with views, desk, and a private bathroom with a shower. Guests can enjoy a delicious selection of fresh, local and international meals at the Orchid Resort Restaurant. Popular choices include the wood fired pizza oven and daily fresh seafood barbecues. Refreshing cocktails and international wines are served at the bar.
Review score

Secret Paradise Resort 3 stars
Situated along the shores of Koh Rong Samlon, Secret Paradise Resort offers tranquil and comfortable accommodation with stunning views of Saracen Bay. Guests can enjoy activities such as fishing, diving and snorkelling on site. Featuring a private entrance and terrace, fan-cooled bungalows come with tiled/wooden flooring, a mosquito net, freshly-laundered bedding and sofa seating area. The attached bathroom includes towels and shower facility. At Secret Paradise Resort, guests may spend the day sunbathing on the white sandy beach or swimming in the clear sea waters. Fluently-conversed in English and Polish, the friendly staff can assist with luggage storage, laundry and ticketing services. The in-house restaurant serves a tasty selection of Asian and Western dishes, along with tasty coffee and fresh fruit shakes. Guests can enjoy meals in the comfort of their bungalow’s verandah, or arrange for a private romantic dinner on the beach.
We hope that ur news and updated travel guide for 2019 about Koh Rong Samloem, helped you to plan a trip in Koh Samloem and that you got all useful informations before to depart. We also are sure that with us you can found best and cheap bungalows for your next trip!
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